KR101214009B1 - System for signal detection of specimen using magnetic resistance sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a detection system using a magnetoresistive sensor, the detection system according to the present invention is applied to the magnetic resistance sensor for detecting the magnetic component of the sample to which the magnetic particles are coupled and the external magnetic field to the sample and the internal A Y-axis driving module including an external magnetic field applying device having a government entrance / exit space formed thereon, and connected to the external magnetic field application device to move the external magnetic field application device to a position of the specimen fixing part inserted into the entry / exit space; And a Z-axis driving module connected to the magnetoresistive sensor to vertically move the magnetoresistive sensor to the position of the specimen fixing portion inserted into the entry and exit space.
According to the present invention, when the magnetoresistive sensor moves vertically and vertically to measure the signal of the specimen, the precise movement of the moving distance and the moving speed can be precisely realized to realize more accurate measurement results. It is possible to perform the signal measurement on the sample has the effect of increasing the efficiency.

Description

System for signal detection of specimen using magnetic resistance sensor

The present invention relates to a high sensitivity detection system for quantitatively measuring magnetic particles using a magnetoresistive sensor.

A device for testing or examining the presence of a single or a plurality of substances in a liquid sample, such as a urine or blood sample, is called a diagnostic kit or measuring cartridge. Specifically, the modern diagnostic business is being integrated into one point-of-care testing (POCT). Point-Of-Care Testing (POCT) refers to equipment that can be used by the general public without specialized knowledge. Currently, the diagnosis area is expanding from the hospital to the field and the individual.

Medical devices or detectors that perform a constant diagnosis using such a diagnostic kit include an electrochemical blood analyzer, an optical blood analyzer, and a magnetic field measuring device. An electrochemical blood analyzer includes voltage, current, and resistance from a measurement cartridge. It is driven by the principle of deriving the value and using it for the measurement, and the optical hematology analyzer is driven by acquiring an image of the test cartridge test line and measuring the pixel intensity of the acquired image.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a principle of measuring or sensing a magnetoresistive sensor. However, for convenience of description, a sensing principle using a giant magneto resistance (GMR) sensor among the magnetoresistive sensors will be described as an example. This shows a spin-valve type Giant Magneto Resistance (GMR) device. As shown, the magnetoresistive sensor has a nonmagnetic metal layer sandwiched between two ferromagnetic metal layers. The magnetic force of the ferromagnetic metal layer of the first layer is fixed, and the magnetic force of the ferromagnetic material of the second layer is variably adjusted. When the first layer and the magnetic force are parallel, the principle that only electrons spin-oriented in a specific direction passes through the conductor. That is, according to the alignment of the magnetization directions of the two ferromagnetic layers, a difference in electrical resistance, or a potential difference, induced inside the material is generated and recognized as a digital signal. When the interlayer material is a conductor, it corresponds to a Giant Magneto Resistance (GMR) device. The detector using the magnetoresistive sensor is a high-sensitivity field inspection device capable of quantitatively measuring magnetic particles accumulated in a lateral flow membrane using a giant magnetoresistive sensor.

However, in the case of a detector using such a magnetoresistive sensor, the sensitivity of the sensor is greatly affected by the distance between the sample and the magnetoresistive sensor. In addition, since the sample is measured while moving a fixed sample fixing part (for example, a diagnostic kit) when measuring the signal of the sample, the shaking of the sample fixing part during the measurement may greatly affect the sensitivity of the sensor. Accordingly, there is a need for a detector that can realize more automated and quantitative measurement quality.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above problems, and provides a signal detection system of a specimen using a magnetoresistive sensor, the direction of the magnetic field applied to the magnetoresistive sensor in the Y axis direction and Z axis direction of the magnetoresistance sensor When applied, the sensitivity performance of the sensor can be maximized, and it is possible to obtain a more precise measurement result by moving the sample fixing horizontally and precisely controlling the moving distance and moving speed when moving the magnetoresistance sensor vertically and vertically. Another object of the present invention is to provide a detection system capable of performing multiple measurements on a plurality of samples.

As a means for solving the above problems, a detection system using a magnetoresistive sensor of the present invention, the specimen fixing portion for fixing the sample to which the magnetic particles are coupled; An external magnetic field applying device for applying an external magnetic field to the sample and having an entrance space of the sample fixing part therein; A magnetoresistive sensor for detecting a magnetic component of the sample according to the external magnetic field; A Y-axis driving module connected to the external magnetic field applying device to move the external magnetic field applying device to a position of the specimen fixing part which is inserted into the entry / exit space; A Z-axis driving module connected to the magnetoresistive sensor to vertically move the magnetoresistive sensor to a position of the specimen fixing part that is inserted into the entry / exit space; .

In the detection system using a magnetoresistive sensor of the present invention, the Y-axis driving module includes: a first support part supporting the external magnetic field applying device; A Y-axis driving motor for transferring the external magnetic field applying device to the position of the specimen fixing part in the entry / exit space; A first connection part connected to the Y-axis drive motor and the first support part to transfer power of the Y-axis drive motor to the first support part; It may include.

In addition, the first connection portion, the rotary unit is connected to the drive shaft of the Y-axis drive motor to rotate; A protruding unit formed at a position outside the center of the rotating unit and connected to the first support part; . ≪ / RTI >

The Y-axis driving module may include: a first elastic unit having one side connected to the first support part to prevent shaking of the external magnetic field applying device; As shown in FIG.

In the detection system using a magnetoresistive sensor of the present invention, the Z-axis drive module, the second support portion coupled to the magnetoresistive sensor on one side; A Z-axis driving motor for vertically transferring the magnetoresistive sensor to the position of the specimen fixing portion inserted into the entry space; A second connection part connected to the Z axis driving motor and the second support part to transfer power of the Z axis driving motor to the second support part; It may include.

In addition, the second connection portion, the pitch control unit formed in the portion in contact with the drive shaft of the Z-axis drive motor; . ≪ / RTI >

The Z-axis driving module may further include: a second elastic unit having one side connected to the second support part to prevent shaking of the magnetoresistive sensor; As shown in FIG.

In addition, the Z-axis drive module, the sensing unit is formed on one side of the second support portion for detecting the position of the magnetoresistive sensor; As shown in FIG.

The detection system using the magnetoresistive sensor of the present invention described above, the X-axis drive module for receiving the specimen fixing portion to perform horizontal movement to the lower portion of the magnetoresistive sensor; As shown in FIG.

In addition, the X-axis drive module, the holder unit for receiving the specimen fixing; A transfer unit and an X-axis driving motor for moving the holder unit below the magnetoresistive sensor; It may include.

The detection system using the magnetoresistive sensor of the present invention, the control unit for analyzing the detection signal of the magnetoresistive sensor, and controls the operation of the drive module; As shown in FIG.

In addition, the sample fixing unit may be a measurement cartridge or a membrane in which the biomaterial containing the antigen is fixed.

In addition, the specimen fixing unit may be provided with at least one detection area for receiving the specimen.

The detection system using a magnetoresistive sensor of the present invention, the case containing the detection system; A display unit which displays an analysis result of the detection signal to the outside of the case; A printer unit for outputting an analysis result of the detection signal to the outside; As shown in FIG.

In the detection system using the magnetoresistive sensor of the present invention, the external magnetic field applying device includes: a first applying unit (211) for applying a magnetic field to the magnetoresistive sensor in a horizontal direction (Y axis) in a first direction; A second application unit (212) for applying a magnetic field to the magnetoresistive sensor in a vertical direction (Z axis) in a second direction; . ≪ / RTI >

In addition, the first application unit may include one or more of a solenoid coil, a Helmholtz coil, an electromagnet yoke, and a permanent magnet.

In addition, the second application unit may include one or more of a solenoid coil, a Helmholtz coil, and an electromagnetic yoke.

In addition, the magnetic field generated in the second application unit may be formed by a direct current (DC) current.

In the detection system using a magnetoresistive sensor of the present invention, the magnetoresistive sensor may be configured as a Giant Magneto Resistance (GMR) sensor.

According to the present invention, when the vertical resistance movement of the magnetoresistive sensor for measuring the signal of the specimen, it is possible to finely control the moving distance and the moving speed to implement a more accurate measurement results.

In addition, according to the present invention, by implementing the external magnetic field applying device to move it is possible to perform a signal measurement for a plurality of samples has the effect of increasing the efficiency.

In addition, according to the present invention, by applying the direction of the magnetic field applied to the magnetoresistive sensor in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction of the magnetoresistive sensor can maximize the sensitivity performance of the sensor.

In addition, according to the present invention, by using a non-contact giant magneto-resistance (GMR) sensor it is possible to perform efficient bio-diagnosis through sensing the sample. Therefore, the membrane used for point-of-care testing (POCT) can be installed in the diagnostic kit to develop a measuring instrument for effective membrane measurement. Compared to the Hall sensor, it can be driven with less power, resulting in economic advantages.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a measuring principle of a magnetoresistive sensor.
2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a detection system according to the present invention.
3 shows an embodiment of the outer shape of the detection system according to the invention.
4 illustrates an internal configuration of the detection system of FIG. 3.
5 illustrates an embodiment of a Y-axis drive module of the present invention.
FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment in which an elastic unit is attached to the Y-axis driving module of FIG. 5.
7 shows an embodiment of a Z-axis drive module of the present invention.
FIG. 8 illustrates the movement of the magnetoresistive sensor according to the operation of the Z-axis driving module of FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment in which an elastic unit is attached to the Z-axis driving module of FIG. 7.
10 shows the principle of measuring the output signal of the specimen with the detection system according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings are only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and that various equivalents and modifications may be made thereto at the time of the present application. In addition, in describing the preferred embodiment of the present invention, if it is determined that the detailed description of related known functions or configurations may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the meaning of each term will be interpreted based on the contents throughout the present specification. The same reference numerals are used for parts having similar functions and functions throughout the drawings.

2 is a block diagram illustrating a detection system (hereinafter, a detection system) using a magnetoresistive sensor according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, the detection system according to the present invention includes a specimen fixing part 600, an external magnetic field applying device 100, a magnetoresistive sensor 200, a Y-axis driving module 400, and a Z-axis driving module 500. It is configured to include. In addition, the detection system according to the present invention preferably further comprises an X-axis drive module 300, the control unit 800. Here, the other components except for the sample fixing part 600 may be included in the detector 10.

The specimen fixing part 600 is provided with a detection area to fix the specimen 700 coupled with the magnetic particles. The sample fixing part 600 may be a measurement cartridge (diagnosis kit) or a membrane in which a biomaterial containing an antigen is fixed, but is not limited thereto. A detection area may be provided and the sample 700 may be accommodated. It should be interpreted as a concept of everything. In addition, the specimen fixing unit 600 may include at least one or more, preferably two or more detection areas, and may be configured to obtain two or more measurement results in a single measurement process.

The external magnetic field applying device 100 is a device for applying a magnetic field from the outside in order to detect magnetic components of the sample 700 so that the sample fixing part 600 fixing the sample 700 therein may be located. The entrance and exit space is formed. The external magnetic field applying device 100 includes a first application unit for applying a magnetic field to the magnetoresistive sensor 200 in the horizontal direction, and a magnetic field in the vertical direction of the second direction to the magnetoresistive sensor 200. It may be configured to include a second applying unit. Of course, the horizontal direction and the vertical direction described above do not necessarily mean only perpendicular to the elevation of the magnetoresistive sensor, but are a concept including having a certain degree of fluidity in the incident direction. In addition, it is preferable that the second application unit can be implemented to change the magnetic field through the current. The range of the horizontal direction (Y-axis) magnetic field or the range in which the magnetoresistive sensor 200 can react is formed by 2 to 30 gauss, and the magnetic field applied to the vertical direction (Z-axis) is 1200 to 1800 gauss ( Gauss) can be formed in the range.

In addition, the first application unit, the magnetic field generating unit may be implemented in a configuration for applying a fixed magnetic field consisting of any one or more selected from the solenoid coil, Helmholtz coil, electromagnet yoke, permanent magnet, the second The applying unit may include any one or a plurality of magnetic field generating units selected from solenoid coils, Helmholtz coils, and electromagnet yokes. In addition, the second application unit may generate a magnetic field by a direct current (DC) current.

Through such a structure, the specimen 700 is mounted on the specimen fixing part 600, an external magnetic field is applied by the external magnetic field applying device 100, and a magnetic component (magnetic particles) by the magnetoresistive sensor 200. Detect the magnetic signal for the specimen 700 combined with and to be separated and analyzed into electrical components. In this case, the magnetic particles may have a magnetization value of 10 to 100 emu / g, in which case the magnetic particles may have superparamagnetism or paramagnetism.

By using the external magnetic field applying device 100 to apply the magnetic field to the magnetoresistive sensor 200 in at least one direction, the magnetic force received by the magnetic particles coupled to the specimen 700 is applied in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. Since the strength of the sum of the magnetic fields, it is possible to improve the sensitivity by increasing the magnetization of the specimen 700.

That is, the magnetoresistive sensor 200 detects a magnetic component of the specimen 700 to which the external magnetic field is applied by the external magnetic field applying device 100. Since the magnetic particles combined with the specimen 700 do not form a magnetic field by themselves, it is necessary to apply a vertical magnetic field and a horizontal magnetic field through the external magnetic field applying device 100. For example, when the magnetoresistive sensor 200 is a Giant Magneto Resistance (GMR) sensor, basically, when the strength of the magnetic field changes from zero to positive direction and in zero to negative direction When the change occurs, all of them generate voltage values with the same sign so that the difference cannot be distinguished. Giant Magneto Resistance (GMR) sensors also have hysteresis, like other magnetic field sensors. However, if a magnetic field in a constant horizontal direction (same as the sensing direction of the sensor) is applied during the operation of a Giant Magneto Resistance (GMR) sensor, it will change from zero to positive and zero to zero. It can be distinguished when it changes in the direction of (for example, when it is changed from 0 to positive direction, the voltage is greater than the sensor output when it is 0, and when it changes from 0 to negative direction. Voltages less than the sensor output) can also minimize hysteresis. Application of the vertical magnetic field can increase the degree of magnetization of the magnetic particles combined with the specimen 700, thereby improving the measurement sensitivity of the sensor.

The magnetoresistive sensor 200 according to the present invention includes a normal magnetoresistance (OMR) sensor, anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) sensor, a giant magneto resistance (GMR) sensor, a super giant magnetoresistance (Colossal) Magnetoresistance (CMR) sensor, Tunneling Magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor, MJT (Magnetic Tunneling Junction) sensor, Planar Hall Resistance (Planar Hall Resistance) sensor is preferably used any one selected from. In particular, the above-mentioned Giant Magneto Resistance (GMR) sensor may be used. However, this is only one example and the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

The X-axis driving module 300 may receive the sample fixing part 600 to perform horizontal movement (X-axis direction) to the lower portion of the magnetoresistive sensor 200. That is, the X-axis driving module 300 is a magnetic field is formed by the external magnetic field applying device 100 to the specimen fixing part 600 mounted with the specimen 700 for a more efficient measurement and the magnetic resistance sensor 200 It serves to transfer the ingredients to the area where they can be detected. The X-axis drive module 300 includes a holder unit for accommodating the specimen fixing part 600, a transfer unit for moving the holder unit to the lower portion of the magnetoresistive sensor 200, and an X-axis drive motor for transmitting power to the transfer unit. It can be configured, and the details are described in the description of FIG.

The Y-axis drive module 400 moves the external magnetic field applying device 100 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) to enable measurement of a plurality of sample fixing parts 600 or a plurality of samples 700. do. The Y-axis driving module may include a first support part for supporting the external magnetic field applying device 100, a Y-axis driving motor for moving the external magnetic field applying device 100 in left and right directions, and a power for transmitting power of the Y-axis driving motor to the first support part. It may be configured to include one connecting portion, the details of which are described in the description of FIGS.

In the Z-axis driving module 500, when the sample fixing part 600 is located at the lower region of the magnetoresistive sensor 200, the magnetoresistive sensor 200 approaches the sample fixing part 600 to perform the measurement with high sensitivity. It plays a role of performing Shanghai East (Z-axis direction). In the present embodiment, a case in which the Z-axis drive module 500 causes the magnetoresistive sensor 200 to be moved as an example, but the Z-axis drive module 500 is configured to cause the sample fixing part 600 to be moved. It is apparent to those skilled in the art that it can be implemented. Z-axis drive module 500 is a Z-axis drive motor, Z-axis drive motor for vertically conveying the magnetoresistive sensor 200 to the position of the second support portion, the specimen fixing portion 600 to which the magnetoresistance sensor 200 is coupled It may be configured to include a second connecting portion for transmitting the power of the second support, the details are described in the description of Figures 7 to 8.

The controller 800 controls the overall operation of the detection system and may include a processor for performing such an operation. For example, the overall function of the diagnostic apparatus 10 may be controlled, such as the operation of the external magnetic field applying device 100, the operation of the driving module 11, and the analysis of the magnetic signal detected by the magnetoresistive sensor 200.

3 shows an embodiment of the outer shape of the detection system according to the invention. 2 and 3, one end of the holder unit 310 may protrude to the outside to insert the specimen fixing unit 600, for example, a diagnostic kit, and the display unit D and the printing unit P. It may further include a case portion (C).

Here, the display unit D may display the result after the detection is completed under the control of the controller 800 so as to visually confirm the result. The display unit D of the present invention includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD), light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), and a flexible display. And a representation means such as a 3D display liquid crystal. When such a representation means consists of a touch screen, it functions simultaneously as an input device and a representation device.

 In addition, the printing unit P is a device capable of printing a result after completion of detection under the control of the control unit 800, and is currently developed and commercialized in the dot matrix method, the inkjet method, the laser method, and the dye sublimation type thermal transfer method. As technology advances, functions can be performed in any way that can be implemented.

In addition, the case portion (C) surrounds the detection system of the present invention and is preferably made of a nonmagnetic material so as not to affect the measurement process.

4 illustrates an internal configuration of the detection system of FIG. 3.

3 and 4, when the sample fixing part 600 is inserted into the holder unit 310, the control part 800 includes the sample fixing part 600 as a magnetic field area formed under the external magnetic field applying device 100. ) May be horizontally moved in the X-axis direction (reciprocating in the R3 direction), and this horizontal movement may be driven by the X-axis driving module 300. For example, the X-axis drive module 300 transmits the driving force (rotation in the R1 direction) of the X-axis drive motor 330 to the transfer unit 320, such as a belt for horizontally moving the holder unit 310, the holder unit The specimen fixing part 600 mounted on the 310 may be transferred to the lower portion of the external magnetic field applying device 100. At this time, the holder unit 310 is moved along the guide rail 340.

When the holder unit 310 arrives at the magnetic field region formed under the external magnetic field applying device 100 by the driving of the X-axis driving module 300, the controller 800 drives the Z-axis driving module 500 to generate the first. The Z-axis driving motor 530 may be driven to move the two support units 510 up and down. Here, the second support unit 510 supports the magnetoresistive sensor 200 to move the magnetoresistive sensor 200 up and down (up and down in the R2 direction), and the magnetoresistive sensor 200 supports the second support. It is attached to the end of the unit 510. The magnetoresistive sensor 200 descending by the second support unit 510 stops on the upper part of the specimen fixing part 600 which is mounted on the holder unit 310 and can measure the magnetic signal.

On the other hand, for more accurate measurement by controlling the X-axis drive module 300 through the control unit 800, by reciprocating the holder unit 310 in the same direction as the measurement direction of the magnetoresistive sensor 200, Preferably, the electrical signal maximum value is measured by the magnetoresistive sensor 200. Thereafter, the measured magnetic signal of the sample 700 is sent to the controller 800, and then the result value is derived through the display unit D. In addition, it is possible to print the result value derived through the printing unit (P).

On the other hand, when the specimen fixing part 600 is provided with two or more detection areas, the Y-axis drive module 400 moves the external magnetic field applying device 100 in the Y-axis direction (R4 direction) through the control of the controller 800. By moving, multi-measurement can be performed on the specimen 700 fixed to each detection area. Details of the Y-axis driving module 400 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the Y-axis drive module of the present invention (a) is a perspective view of the Y-axis drive module, (b) is an enlarged view of the Y-axis drive module, (c) is a Y-axis drive module Figure showing the structure and operation principle of the included first connector, (d) is an example of a diagnostic kit to be used in the multi-measurement.

3 to 5, the Y-axis driving module 400 may include a first support part 410 for supporting the external magnetic field applying device 100 and an external magnetic field applying device as shown in FIG. 5A. It is connected to the Y-axis drive motor 430, the Y-axis drive motor 430 and the first support portion 410 to transfer the 100 to transfer the power of the Y-axis drive motor 430 to the first support portion 410 One connection unit 450 may be configured to include. Here, the Y-axis drive motor 430 is preferably a DC motor, but is not limited thereto.

Meanwhile, as illustrated in (b) of FIG. 5, the first connector 450 is connected to the driving shaft 431 of the Y-axis driving motor 430 to rotate and rotate the center of the rotating unit 451 and the rotating unit 451. It may be configured to include a protrusion unit 453 formed in a position off the rotating shaft). The protruding unit 453 may be connected to the first support part 410, and may be preferably connected to a connection part 411 formed on the first support part 410. In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, the connection part 411 may be formed to be detachable from the first support part 410, or may be integrally formed with the first support part 410.

When the Y-axis drive motor 430 operates, the drive shaft 431 of the motor rotates, and the rotation unit 451 connected to the drive shaft 431 makes a circular motion. In accordance with the circular motion of the rotating unit 451, the protrusion unit 453 is moved to the left and right in the Y-axis direction as shown in (c) of FIG. 5, and the first support part connected to the protrusion unit 453 ( 410 also moves to the left and right in the Y-axis direction. As a result, the external magnetic field applying device 100 supported by the first support part 410 moves left and right. Accordingly, an external magnetic field may be applied to each specimen 700 of the specimen fixing part 600 provided with a plurality of detection regions.

5 (d) shows an example of the specimen fixing part 600 and shows a diagnostic kit 60 provided with a sample hole 61 and two detection regions 63. As the external magnetic field applying device 100 is movable by the Y-axis driving module 400, multi-measurement is possible for the diagnostic kit having a plurality of detection areas similar to those shown in FIG. 5D. This improves the efficiency in the measurement process.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment in which an elastic body is attached to the Y-axis driving module of FIG. 5.

5 and 6, the Y-axis driving module may further include a first elastic unit 490 having one side connected to the first support part 410. The other side of the first elastic unit 490 is preferably connected to a fixed portion that is not affected by the movement of the external magnetic field applying device 100, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the first elastic unit 490 is preferably formed of a spring, but is not limited thereto. Due to the first elastic unit 490, it is possible to prevent shaking due to the Y-axis movement of the external magnetic field applying device 100 and to correct the position at the initial position setting, thereby enabling more quantitative and reliable measurement. .

7 shows an embodiment of a Z-axis drive module of the present invention.

4 and 7, the Z-axis driving module 500 is magnetized to the position of the second support part 510 having the magnetoresistive sensor 200 coupled to one side, and the specimen fixing part 600 inserted into the entry / exit space. It is connected to the Z-axis driving motor 530, the Z-axis driving motor 530, and the second support part 510 to vertically transfer the resistance sensor 200 to power the Z-axis driving motor 530 to the second support part 510. It may be configured to include a second connector 550 to transmit to.

The type of the Z-axis driving motor 530 is preferably a DC motor, but is not limited thereto. In addition, in this embodiment, the Z-axis drive motor 530 may be used from 10000rpm to 1rpm using the reduction ratio.

On the other hand, the second connecting portion 550 may be configured to include a pitch adjusting unit 551. The pitch adjusting unit 551 is formed at a portion in contact with the driving shaft 531 of the Z-axis driving motor 530, and may have a sawtooth structure. In addition, the thread pitch of the tooth formed in the pitch adjusting unit 551 in this embodiment is preferably used from 1mm (millimeter) to 20mm (millimeter). In addition, the portion of the second connector 550 is provided with a pitch adjusting unit 551 is preferably connected to the second support (510).

In this embodiment, the Z-axis driving module 500 may further include a sensing unit for sensing the position of the magnetoresistive sensor 200, and may maintain a constant initial position of the magnetoresistive sensor 200 through the sensing unit. . More details of the sensing unit will be described later with reference to FIG. 8.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to finely control the Shanghai simultaneous minimum moving distance of the magnetoresistive sensor 200 in units of 1 um (micrometer), and also to freely control the moving speed. Accordingly, the distance between the sample fixing part 600 and the magnetoresistive sensor 200 can be finely adjusted, and the sensitivity of the magnetoresistive sensor 200 sensitive to the distance can be greatly increased, thereby enabling accurate and reliable measurement. do.

FIG. 8 illustrates the movement of the magnetoresistive sensor according to the operation of the Z-axis driving module of FIG. 7.

7 and 8, when the specimen fixing part 600 is located under the magnetoresistive sensor 200, the Z-axis driving motor 530 operates to rotate the driving shaft 531. The pitch adjusting unit 551 of the second connecting portion 550 engaged with the drive shaft 531 in the form of a tooth is lowered as the drive shaft 531 rotates, and the second support portion is connected to the pitch adjusting unit 531. 510 is also lowered. Accordingly, the magnetoresistive sensor 200 is lowered to be adjacent to the sample fixing part 600 for the measurement as shown in (a) of FIG.

Meanwhile, after the measurement is finished, the Z-axis driving motor 530 rotates the driving shaft 531 in the opposite direction to the above case to raise the second support part 510. Accordingly, the magnetoresistive sensor 200 is shown in FIG. as shown in b). In this case, the detection unit 570 may detect the position of the magnetoresistive sensor 200 and transmit the signal to the control unit 800. Accordingly, the control unit 800 controls the Z-axis driving motor 530 to control the Z-axis driving motor 530. As shown in (b), the magnetoresistive sensor 200 may be positioned at a predetermined position.

The sensing unit 570 is preferably made of a photo electric sensor. The optical sensor detects the presence or absence, size, contrast, etc. of the object by detecting the presence or absence of the object by large or small difference in the amount of light received due to reflection, radiation, or shading of the object by using non-contact light. It is a sensor that gives out the difference in the amount of reflection caused by the electric signal according to the amount of light received. When the sensing unit 570 is formed of an optical sensor, the optical sensor irradiates light to an initial position of the magnetoresistive sensor 200. When the reflected light with respect to the irradiated light decreases due to the rise of the magnetoresistive sensor 200, the initial position of the magnetoresistive sensor 200 may be kept constant by stopping the operation of the Z-axis driving motor 530. . However, this is just one example, and the detection unit 570 includes all means for detecting whether the magnetoresistive sensor 200 is located at a specific position, which is currently developed and commercialized, or can be implemented according to future technology development. It will be called a concept.

Accordingly, the sensitivity of the magnetoresistive sensor 200, which is sensitive to distance, can be greatly increased, so that accurate and reliable measurement can be performed, and the magnetoresistive sensor 200 is positioned at a certain place after the measurement is finished or when waiting for measurement. By doing so, it is possible to reduce possible errors in the measurement.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment in which an elastic body is attached to the Z-axis driving module of FIG. 7.

7 and 9, the Z-axis driving module may further include a second elastic unit 590 having one side connected to the second support part 510. The other side of the second elastic unit 590 is preferably connected to a fixed portion that is not affected by the movement of the second support 510, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the second elastic unit 490 is preferably formed of a spring, but is not limited thereto.

Due to the second elastic unit 490, it is possible to prevent shaking due to the Z-axis movement of the magnetoresistive sensor 200 and to correct the position when the initial position is set, thereby enabling more quantitative and reliable measurement.

Figure 10 illustrates the principle of measuring the output signal of the specimen with the above-described detection system according to the present invention. As an example of the measurement, the case will be described through the case where the sample fixer is an immunochromatography diagnostic kit that performs a measurement cartridge, more specifically, an on-site diagnostic blood analysis. That is, the detection application example of the case where the sample fixing part is implemented as the diagnostic kit in the above-described configuration. However, this is only one example, and the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 10, the diagnostic kit 600, which is the specimen fixing part 600, is mounted to the holder unit and transferred to the detection space formed under the external magnetic field applying device through the X-axis driving module.

In this case, in the diagnostic kit 600, when a blood sample 700, which is a sample, is put in a sample pad 610, blood cells are separated through a separation pad 620, and a conjugation pad; In 630, the primary antigen-antibody binding 631 with the magnetic particles occurs.

The primary coupled magnetic particles are the secondary antigen-antibody binding 641 occurs in the detection region 643 of the porous membrane 640, in which case the remaining magnetic particles 642 are absorbed by the absorption pad (650) do.

Magnetic particles that are completed until the secondary coupling and are attached to the detection region 643 of the membrane 640 are magnetized by an external magnetic field applying device, and the magnetoresistive sensor 200 according to the present invention changes the magnetic field around the magnetized magnetic particles. To be measured.

At this time, the measurement distance between the diagnostic kit and the magnetoresistive sensor 200 moved horizontally in the X-axis direction to the lower region of the external magnetic field applying device should be adjusted very precisely for precise measurement. It can be implemented by controlling the Z-axis drive module.

In the drawing of FIG. 10, the image (M) of the magnetic field shown on the upper part of the diagnostic kit conceptually forms an image of the magnetic field acting around the magnetic particle in which the secondary antigen-antibody binding 641 is completed in the detection region 643. It is shown.

In addition, for more accurate measurement, it is preferable to measure the peak value of the electric signal that is changed by controlling the holder unit through the control unit and reciprocating in the same direction (Q) as the measurement direction of the magnetoresistive sensor 200. Do. The measured magnetic field strength is proportional to the amount of protein in the blood to be measured.

As described above and described with reference to a preferred embodiment for illustrating the technical idea of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the configuration and operation as shown and described as such, without departing from the scope of the technical idea It will be understood by those skilled in the art that many variations and modifications to the present invention are possible. Accordingly, all such suitable modifications and variations and equivalents should be considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

10: detector
100: external magnetic field applying device 200: magnetoresistance sensor
300: X axis drive module 310: holder unit
320: transfer unit 330: X axis drive motor
340: guide rail
400: Y-axis drive module 410: first support portion
430: Y-axis drive motor 450: first connection portion
451: rotation unit 453: protrusion unit
490: first elastic unit
500: Z-axis drive module 510: second support portion
530: Z-axis drive motor 550: second connection
551: pitch control unit 570: detection unit
590: second elastic unit
600: specimen fixation 610: sample pad
620: separation pad 630: conjugation pad
640: membrane 643: detection area
645: control area 650: absorption pad
700: specimen 800: control unit

Claims (19)

A sample fixing part to fix a sample to which magnetic particles are bound;
An external magnetic field applying device for applying an external magnetic field to the sample and having an entrance space of the sample fixing part therein;
A magnetoresistive sensor for detecting a magnetic component of the sample according to the external magnetic field;
A Y-axis driving module connected to the external magnetic field applying device to move the external magnetic field applying device to a position of the specimen fixing part inserted into the entry / exit space;
A Z-axis driving module connected to the magnetoresistive sensor to vertically move the magnetoresistive sensor to a position of the specimen fixing part inserted into the entry / exit space;
Detection system using a magnetoresistive sensor comprising a.
The method according to claim 1,
The Y-axis drive module,
A first support part supporting the external magnetic field applying device;
A Y-axis driving motor for transferring the external magnetic field applying device to the position of the specimen fixing part in the entry / exit space;
A first connection part connected to the Y-axis drive motor and the first support part to transfer power of the Y-axis drive motor to the first support part;
Detection system using a magnetoresistive sensor comprising a.
The method according to claim 2,
The first connection portion,
A rotating unit connected to the driving shaft of the Y-axis driving motor to rotate;
A protruding unit formed at a position outside the center of the rotating unit and connected to the first support part;
Detection system using a magnetoresistive sensor comprising a.
The method according to claim 3,
The Y-axis drive module,
A first elastic unit having one side connected to the first support part to prevent shaking of the external magnetic field applying device;
Detection system using a magnetoresistive sensor further comprising.
The method according to claim 1,
The Z-axis drive module,
A second support part having the magnetoresistive sensor coupled to one side thereof;
A Z-axis driving motor for vertically transferring the magnetoresistive sensor to the position of the specimen fixing portion inserted into the entry space;
A second connection part connected to the Z axis driving motor and the second support part to transfer power of the Z axis driving motor to the second support part;
Detection system using a magnetoresistive sensor comprising a.
The method according to claim 5, The second connecting portion,
A pitch adjusting unit formed at a portion in contact with the driving shaft of the Z-axis driving motor;
Detection system using a magnetoresistive sensor comprising a.
The method according to claim 6, wherein the Z-axis drive module,
A second elastic unit having one side connected to the second support part to prevent shaking of the magnetoresistive sensor;
Detection system using a magnetoresistive sensor further comprising.
The method according to claim 6, wherein the Z-axis drive module,
A detection unit formed at one side of the second support unit to detect a position of the magnetoresistive sensor;
Detection system using a magnetoresistive sensor further comprising.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the detection system,
An X-axis driving module accommodating the specimen fixing unit and performing horizontal movement to the lower portion of the magnetoresistive sensor;
Detection system using a magnetoresistive sensor further comprising.
The method according to claim 9,
The X-axis drive module,
A holder unit for accommodating the specimen fixing unit;
A transfer unit and an X-axis driving motor for moving the holder unit below the magnetoresistive sensor;
Detection system using a magnetoresistive sensor comprising a.
The method of claim 10,
The detection system,
A controller which analyzes a detection signal of the magnetoresistive sensor and controls an operation of the driving module;
Detection system using a magnetoresistive sensor further comprising.
The method of claim 11,
The sample fixing section,
A detection system using a magnetoresistive sensor which is a measuring cartridge or a membrane in which a biomaterial containing an antigen is fixed.
The method of claim 12,
The sample fixing section,
Detection system using a magnetoresistance sensor is provided with at least one detection area for fixing the sample coupled to the magnetic particles.
The method of claim 11,
A case accommodating the detection system;
A display unit which displays an analysis result of the detection signal to the outside of the case;
A printer unit for outputting an analysis result of the detection signal to the outside;
Detection system using a magnetoresistive sensor further comprising.
The method according to claim 11, wherein the external magnetic field applying device,
A first application unit for applying a magnetic field to the magnetoresistive sensor in a horizontal direction in a first direction;
A second application unit for applying a magnetic field to the magnetoresistive sensor in a vertical direction in a second direction;
Detection system using a magnetoresistive sensor comprising a.
The method according to claim 15,
The first application unit, the detection system using a magnetoresistive sensor comprising at least one of a solenoid coil, Helmholtz coil, electromagnet yoke, permanent magnet.
The method according to claim 15,
The second application unit is a detection system using a magnetoresistive sensor comprising at least one of a solenoid coil, a Helmholtz coil, an electromagnet yoke.
The method according to claim 15,
The magnetic field generated in the second application unit is a detection system using a magnetoresistive sensor is formed by a direct current (DC) current.
The method according to claim 15,
The magnetoresistive sensor is a detection system using a magnetoresistive sensor which is a giant magneto resistance (GMR) sensor.

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